Now Commenting On:

Dickey, Arencibia pair up for first bullpen session

DUNEDIN, Fla. -- Blue Jays ace R.A. Dickey threw his first official bullpen of Spring Training on Wednesday, and third-year catcher J.P. Arencibia was the man behind the plate.

Toronto has yet to make a decision on who will become the knuckleballer's regular catcher, but the bulk of the load during the early parts of Spring Training will be handed to Arencibia.

Back-up catcher candidates Josh Thole and Henry Blanco have both worked with Dickey in the past, but with the World Baseball Classic set to open in March, the Blue Jays want to ensure Arencibia gets his fair share of time with the offseason addition before both depart to represent Team USA.

"I think they looked good," manager John Gibbons said of Dickey and Arencibia. "Until they go to the WBC, they'll be a pairing here. You don't want [Arencibia] to go out [in the WBC] naked."

Arencibia is the undisputed No. 1 catcher in camp and will get the majority of time behind the plate, even if he doesn't end up being the one to work with Dickey once the season begins. Until a final decision needs to be made, both will have plenty of opportunities to work out the kinks.